When you decide that you need good carpet cleaning, the first question that will pop into your mind is which type of cleaning to choose and whether to pick a professional service or do it yourself.

There are many different ways to clean your carpet. Like most people, you, too, probably vacuum your carpets often; however, that’s usually not enough to clean out all the grime and dirt deep within your carpet. 

To make sure you get your carpet clean as can be, steam cleaning or carpet shampooing is the most effective method available today.

Let’s take a closer look into what each of these carpet cleaning methods means and which ones would work best for you.

So, What Does Carpet Shampooing Mean?

As time goes on, any carpet, no matter the material or quality, will start to look flat and dull. Due to extensive use, like having your pets and kids running over it, to dirt, dust and grime weighing it down, to furniture marks and dents, all carpets will need a little TLC. 

If you feel like you’ve done all you can, but your carpet doesn’t seem to be responding to vacuuming, it probably means that it is time to deep clean your carpet.

Carpet shampooing is a carpet cleaning method that uses a specialised carpet shampoo and a machine to get into your carpet fibres and clean out all the built-up grime and dirt. 

This method involves:

  • First is the removal of all loose debris from the top of your carpet’s surface using a brush or a vacuum cleaner.
  • Next, a carpet shampoo (specially formulated for your carpet fibres) is applied to the surface. A carpet shampooing machine with a brush attachment scrubs the solution deep into the fibres. 
  • The foam created is then removed with a specialised vacuum, and finally, a warm water rinse is used to remove all remnants of the solution off. 
  • Finally, the carpet is dried with a vacuum and then left to dry naturally in a well-ventilated space. 
  • The drying time can be anywhere between a few hours to even up to 12 hours (depending on the material, size of your carpet, and even the weather). To speed up the drying process, ensure plenty of air circulation and use dehumidifiers, too! 

Benefits of Shampooing

  • It’s the most effective method to clean very stained or dirty carpets. 
  • It helps penetrate deep into carpet fibres to get rid of nearly all soil and dirt.
  • The carpet cleaning shampoos are usually available at most home department stores for every type of carpet fibre out there!

And, What is Carpet Steam Cleaning?

Right off the bat, steam cleaning. Whether it’s for clothes, upholstery or carpets around the home, it is the best solution for people who are sensitive to fragrances and who may have allergies. 

This method uses just a steam cleaning machine and hot water vapour to tackle stains and dirt. Thus, eliminating the need for any cleaning solutions at all. 

It is also an effective method that helps breathe new life into old and worn out carpets. 

This method involves: 

  • Vacuuming the carpet to remove all debris and loose dirt off the surface. 
  • Then, the pump and vacuum of the steam cleaning machine will inject your carpet fibres with hot water vapour that dislodges the dirt. 
  • Finally, a vacuum is used to absorb all the dirt, leaving you with a fresh, clean and bacteria free carpet!

Benefits of Steam Cleaning

  • It works great as an overall or a spot carpet cleaning method.
  • This method works well for removing tough stains and even grease.
  • This method is perfectly safe to use around people with allergies, kids and even pets. 
  • The high temperature of the water vapour additionally helps to disinfect carpets.
  • The steam also gets rid of pests that might have made your carpet their home. 
  • This method also leaves no residue behind at all. 
  • Much shorter drying time as compared to carpet shampooing. Typically, your carpet will need around 4 – 8 hours to dry after a steam cleaning. 

Is It Really Worth Getting My Carpets Cleaned Professionally?

While you can rent out these machines to help clean your carpet, professional cleaning services best perform these intensive tasks. 

The reason is that professionals know how to operate these machines well and have experience-backed knowledge that will help them get the job done quickly and effectively. 

Plus, hiring a service intermittently helps you save money in the long run because you will not have to spend money renting, transporting machines and purchasing expensive cleaning solutions. This equipment is also just used once or twice a year and then store for the rest of the time. 

These services also will help increase the lifespan of your carpet. 

For example, the cost of a carpet cleaning service with NexDo starts at just $15! 

So, How Often Should I Clean My Carpets?

A professional carpet cleaning service done even once a year is more than enough. This is if you regularly vacuum and take care of minor spills that occur.

Doing so will help keep your carpet looking brand new. It will get rid of most of the dirt, allergens and dust buildup. You can do this during spring cleaning or when you just move into a new place. Furthermore, after unpacking, or even after a big party at your house to help with the general cleanup activities.

Finally, when figuring out which method is best for you, take into consideration the people and pets at home, what your schedule looks like and how much space needs to be covered. 

You can also always speak with the cleaning service you opt for. They can explain in detail the pros and cons of each method to help make your final decision. 

Additionally, make sure you’re well prepared for a professional carpet cleaning by moving all heavy furniture out of the area and keeping any important personal belongings away.